But De Gea - who earlier in the summer wanted Fabregas to join - believes that the former Arsenal captain is exactly the player United need in order to develop as they aim to retain their Premier League crown.

"Fabregas has to make a decision to stay or come to us. He would be a great signing, and would help us to improve," De Gea told the Manchester Evening News.

The latest offer being finalised would eclipse United's transfer record fee of £30.8m they paid to sign Dimitar Berbatov from Tottenham five years ago.